2 weeks Ago By OUR STAFF REPORT
LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday launched a landmark initiative aimed at em-powering people with disabilities by providing assistive devices free of cost — a first-of-its-kind effort in the province’s history. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister announced that under the Rs 1 billion pro-ject, a wide range of devices including artificial limbs, hearing aids, manual and motorized wheelchairs, tricycles, rollators, mobile toilet chairs, and walking frames would be distributed to individuals with special needs across Punjab. “This initiative is not just about equipment — it’s about restoring dignity and enabling full participation in society,” Maryam Nawaz said, adding that the devices would be tailored to each individual’s specific requirements.
Over 300 persons with disabilities from across Punjab attended the emotional and vibrant launch cer-emony. Two young girls, Aiza and Ayesha, welcomed the chief minister with bouquets, and the na-tional anthem was performed in sign language — a symbolic gesture of inclusion. Our Jihad to uproot terrorism from country will continue: PM Highlighting the groundbreaking technological component of the initiative, Maryam Nawaz noted that Punjab had become the first province in Pakistan to utilize cutting-edge bionics technology for rehabili-tation.
“These state-of-the-art artificial limbs respond to brain signals and offer movement capabilities close to natural limbs,” she said. In a heartwarming moment, the chief minister personally fitted a six-year-old boy, Sohail — who had lost his arm below the elbow due to an electric shock — with a bionic limb. The boy, moving his new hand for the first time, clapped joyfully.
Maryam Nawaz greeted him with a handshake and a high-five, and escorted him back from the stage amidst applause from the audience. Tags: maryam launches assistive.
